Children’s Oral Care By: Clarissa Ibarra

Early Oral Hygiene  What age is proper to start?  As soon as child has teeth that are visible.  What routine should be used ?  AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) recommend brushing toddlers teeth twice a day with soft bristled brush.  A Simple routine that is Dentist Recommended  After feeding, parents should wipe babies gums using a washcloth. Some dentists recommend non- fluoride toothpaste before the age of two.

What to know about children’s teeth  Major Obstacles  Limiting sugar intake- no bad sugars, or artificial flavored drinks  Getting enough fluoride- Water and treatment at dentist  Babies  Baby bottle tooth decay- When teeth appear, brush daily with pea sized of non- fluoride toothpaste. Put baby to bed with bottle of water instead of juices.  Thumb sucking- these habits have in an importance for nurturing functions and should be for first few years.  White spots on teeth- schedule a dentist appointment as soon as contact with teeth.

What to know about children’s teeth  Toddlers  Fear for dentist- child should sit in parents lap to make exam more comfortable  Difficulty creating oral care routine- involve the entire family and be role models.(ex- brush together at same time creating a good habit.)  Stains- speak to a pediatrician before medication is prescribed.  Grade- Schoolers/Teenagers  Love of sweets- Give children healthy snack options  Oral Injuries of sports- Wear mouth guards to protect from teeth injuries.  Drinks- keep away from high sugar drinks or artificial flavored drinks, stains occur.  Braces- consider braces if teeth as badly aligned.  Drugs- NO DRUGS. Talk to your teens about risks and damages.

Dental Hygiene Tips for Kids  Being enthusiastic about brushing  Make up cute stories for children while they brush their teeth  Brush together, and make a theme song along with the brushing.  Make brushing/ flossing a fun way to do  Provide cool rather flashy toothbrushes that brighten them to bush, as well as toothpaste colors. Make them taste strawberries or see sprinkles.  Teaching a proper technique  First thing to do when your awake is brush your teeth, and keep them constantly reminded when they should brush.  Keep a time sheet in their room or bathroom and have them initial when they brushed at what time.

Examples of Brushes and Toothpaste

Works Cited "Children’s Oral Care." Aquafresh Whitening Toothpaste & Fluoride Toothpaste - A Lifetime of Protection | Aquafresh. GlaxoSmithKline, 25 Feb Web. 19 Mar < "Dental Hygiene Tips for Kids." Electric Toothbrushes, Toothpaste, Floss & Dental Health | OralB.com. Procter & Gamble, 6 Apr Web. 12 Mar Goss, Lissa A. "Keeping Your Child's Teeth Healthy." KidsHealth. The Nemours Foundation, October Web. 19 Mar "Start Proper Oral Hygiene Early." Electric Toothbrushes, Toothpaste, Floss & Dental Health | OralB.com. Procter & Gamble, 6 Mar Web. 10 Mar "What To Know About Children's Teeth." Electric Toothbrushes, Toothpaste, Floss & Dental Health | OralB.com. Procter & Gamble, 9 Sept Web. 10 Mar "Baby/Toddler's Toothbrush, Stage 1 - Case of 72." OraLine Kids!. C/O JM Murray, 23 Sept Web. 11 Apr